Dealing with Divorce Issues

Dealing with Divorce Issues

Do you need help dealing with divorce issues? It can be a scary, lonely time and needing someone to help guide you through is completely understandable. Here is what you might want to know.

Dealing with Divorce Issues | Responding to Divorce Papers

The first step is to determine what type of documents you now have in front of you.

A Summons with Notice requires you to put in a notice of appearance and retain an attorney within 20 days.

An Order to Show Cause has a different time frame; in this case, you’ll have to file certain documents before you appear in court.

A notice from Family Court also will have a different time frame – and, of course, require you to show up at a different location.

If you’ve been served with any kind of divorce papers, set up an appointment with an attorney, get into his or her office as quickly as possible, and prepare to respond within the specified time frame.

Dealing with Divorce Issues | Going to Court

Most divorcing spouses manage to settle the terms of their divorce in mediation, and do not need to go to litigation before a judge. In fact, in some situations it isn’t necessary for either party to go to court. The parties could negotiate a property settlement agreement outside of court and have their attorneys submit the necessary documentation.

However, a judge must hear custody and visitation issues. This puts your case onto a trial calendar, involves a law guardian for the child, and will lengthen any divorce proceedings.

Dealing with Divorce Issues | Posting on Social Media

Sure, you can. But you shouldn’t. It doesn’t help you at all to vent in public especially not in a way that’s “permanent” and subject to shares and screenshots – no matter how many “likes” you get. The things you post on social media could exacerbate the situation with your spouse, damaging negotiations and making your divorce longer and more expensive. Your posts could even work against you in a court room. The worst cost could be to your children. Any negative information about a parent is damaging to a child, even if that information is coming from the other parent; and your social media posts make your children’s personal affairs a matter of public gossip. Just keep it to yourself, or confide to a trusted friend.

Author: Randy Gugino

The Law Office of Randy H. Gugino has provided comprehensive legal services to clients in the Buffalo region and throughout Western New York for more than 30 years. Your first consultation with Mr. Gugino is without cost and at no obligation. Please allow us the opportunity to meet with you personally to discuss your legal needs and explain how we would handle your case.